Christmas Cranberry Gin Sour (Holiday Recipe)

If you’re a gin lover and want to impress your guests during Christmas dinner, look no further than this Christmas Cranberry Gin Sour recipe. This tasty cocktail served with a sprig of fresh rosemary is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit.

Alright, cocktail lovers, it’s time to get jolly because this Christmas Cranberry Gin Sour is about to be your new holiday fave. 

Think tart cranberries, fresh lemon juice, and gin coming together in perfect harmony—like Mariah Carey hitting that high note. And we’re making it even sassier with a frothy twist: aquafaba (yes, that’s chickpea water, and no, you won’t taste it—but trust me, it makes this drink fabulous).

Whether you’re vegan, you’re allergic to eggs or you’re just a little off-put by the idea of raw eggs in your cocktail, aquafaba is the new secret ingredient. It makes traditional sours and fizzes possible without using an egg white. 

Aquafaba foams up in a manner similar to egg white, which makes it the ideal substitute for vegans who love their cocktails! 

Don’t worry though, the aquafaba has no detectable taste, so guests will have no idea. They’ll only notice the just-right hint of gin bite that delivers a balance of smooth and sweet to this classic cocktail.

So, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, having a low-key night in, or just need a break from all the eggnog this holiday season, this cocktail has your back. Let’s get shaking!

If you love festive gin cocktails and you’re looking for something sweet to pair with it after dinner you may want to try my Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies or my 4 Ingredient Vegan Rice Krispies. 

WHAT IS A GIN SOUR?

A Gin Sour is a classic and refreshing cocktail that features gin as the primary spirit, combined with lemon juice, simple syrup, and sometimes egg white. It belongs to the sour family of cocktails, which are known for their balanced combination of sweet and sour flavors.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED IN THIS EASY GIN COCKTAIL

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this gin mixture (the full recipe, nutrition information, and exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Dry gin – tanqueray, bombay sapphire, or own gin of choice.
• Fresh lemon juice – lime juice may also work but will change the flavor slightly. 
• Pure cranberry juice – if you’re not a huge fan of cranberry flavor, you can swap it for pomegranate juice. 
• Simple Syrup – can make a cranberry syrup if desired for a stronger cranberry flavour.
• Aquafaba (liquid from a can of cooked chickpeas)
• Optional – fresh cranberries, sprig of rosemary, tonic water, ginger beer, juniper berries, orange slice, fresh orange juice, apple juice, etc. 

The ingredients for this festive cocktail are simple, and you can adapt the recipe slightly for many different variations. By simply replacing egg whites with 1 oz. aquafaba, you can transform an egg white sour cocktail into a vegan version! 

It changes the character of the cocktail slightly, adding a layer of complexity.

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY GIN COCKTAIL

1. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry-shake the mix first before adding ice (once ice is added the cold mix won’t foam up as well). “Shake the heck out of it for 10-12 seconds”.
3. Add ice, and shake thoroughly a second time. Now do the REAL shaking, about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mix into glass of choice. And TA DA – a super foamy vegan gin sour. You’ll notice a more defined layer will settle in the gin sour if it’s left to sit — but no need to wait — drink up!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GIN SOUR AND CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ COCKTAIL?

A Gin Sour and a Gin Fizz are both gin-based cocktails, but the main difference lies in the addition of club soda. A Gin Sour includes gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup (and optionally egg white), whereas a Gin Fizz incorporates gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water, resulting in a bubbly and effervescent drink.

If you preferred making a gin fizz, ginger ale would also be a great choice for added sweetness and bubbles.

CAN I USE LIME JUICE INSTEAD OF LEMON JUICE IN THIS CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY GIN SOUR?

Yes, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice to create a Lime Gin Sour. The lime juice will give the cocktail a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be refreshing and delicious.

STORAGE

Storing this Christmas cranberry gin sour and its ingredients properly will help maintain it’s freshness and ensure they’re ready to be used whenever you’re in the mood for a cocktail. Here’s how to store the components of a gin sour:

1. Gin:
   • Store your bottle of gin in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
   • Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent any air from entering and affecting the quality of the gin.
   • While gin can last indefinitely, its flavors might start to change after a long time. For optimal taste, try to consume it within 1-2 years of opening.
2. Lemon or Lime Juice:
   • If using freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, store any unused juice in an airtight container or glass bottle in the refrigerator.
   • Fresh citrus juice is best when used immediately, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days without losing too much flavor.
3. Simple Syrup:
   • Store homemade simple syrup in a clean and sealed container in the refrigerator.
   • Simple syrup can last for several weeks when refrigerated. If you notice any signs of mold or off flavors, it’s best to discard and make a fresh batch.

FAQS

HOW CAN I MAKE A SWEETER GIN SOUR?

If you prefer a sweeter Gin Sour, you can increase the amount of simple syrup used in the recipe. Add more simple syrup to taste until the desired level of sweetness is achieved. Alternatively you can add maple syrup to the cocktail.

CAN I USE A FLAVORED GIN?

I use classic gin in this recipe, however you can absolutely substitute flavored gin for a stronger flavour! Flavored gins, such as cucumber-infused or berry-infused gins, can add an exciting twist to your Gin Sour. Experiment with different flavored gins to discover unique and delightful combinations.

IS THIS CHRISTMAS GIN COCKTAIL RECIPE SUITABLE FOR ALL SEASONS?

Yes, the Gin Sour is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, and not just in the winter months. Its balanced flavors make it refreshing in the summer, while the botanical notes make it a delightful choice during the colder months as well.

This easy recipe is perfect to bring to your next holiday party, but can just as easily be made for summer without the festive finish.

CAN I USE CRANBERRY SAUCE INSTEAD OF CRANBERRY JUICE?

While cranberry sauce is great for holiday meals, it’s not the best for this cocktail. Stick to unsweetened cranberry juice for the perfect balance of tartness without the sweetness or thickness of cranberry sauce.

CAN I ADD A SUGAR RIM FOR A FESTIVE LOOK?

Absolutely! A sugar rim adds a fun, festive look and a sweet touch to balance the tartness of the festive drink. Simply run a lemon wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass and dip it in sugar for the perfect christmas cranberry gin sour.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET THE FOAMY TOP?

For a frothy finish, the key is shaking the ingredients (especially the aquafaba) without ice first, called a “dry shake.” Then, add ice and shake again for the perfect foamy top that mimics a classic gin fizz.

Other Holiday Recipes You May Like To Try During This Time Of Year!

• Gluten Free Bread Pudding
• Chocolate Pecan Caramel Turtles
• 4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
• Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
• Gluten Free Molasses Cookies
• Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
• Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Tree Gluten-Free Brownies
• Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bites
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
• Easy Snowman Cake Pops

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHRISTMAS PARTY COCKTAIL RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY COCKTAIL ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails